About this Unit
USS Herbert J. Thomas (DD-833) was a Gearing-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in 1945, just as World War II was ending. Named in honor of Marine Private Herbert Joseph Thomas, a Medal of Honor recipient, the ship served extensively during the Korean War, providing gunfire support and screening aircraft carriers. In the Vietnam War, USS Herbert J. Thomas played a vital role in naval gunfire missions, search and rescue operations, and carrier escort duties. The destroyer was decommissioned in 1975 and later transferred to the Republic of China (Taiwan), where she continued her service as ROCS Han Yang until 1999.
Historical Facts
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Fletcher-Class Destroyer: USS Herbert J. Thomas (DD-833) was a Gearing-class destroyer, not a Fletcher-class, launched by the United States Navy in 1945, named after Marine Private Herbert Joseph Thomas, a Medal of Honor recipient from World War II.
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Korean War Service: The ship saw extensive action during the Korean War, providing naval gunfire support, screening aircraft carriers, and participating in the famous Inchon landing in 1950.
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Vietnam War Deployments: USS Herbert J. Thomas served multiple tours in the Vietnam War, conducting shore bombardment, plane guard duties for aircraft carriers, and search and rescue operations.
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FRAM Modernization: In the early 1960s, the ship underwent the Fleet Rehabilitation and Modernization (FRAM) program, which upgraded her antisubmarine warfare capabilities with new sonar, weapons, and helicopter facilities.
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Rescuing Downed Pilots: During the Vietnam War, the destroyer was credited with rescuing several downed American aviators from the waters off North Vietnam.
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Collision at Sea: In 1966, Herbert J. Thomas collided with the Australian aircraft carrier HMAS Melbourne during exercises, but both ships continued operations after repairs.
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Nickname: The crew affectionately called the ship “Herbie J” throughout her service life.
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Transfer to Republic of China Navy: In 1974, after nearly 30 years of U.S. service, Herbert J. Thomas was transferred to Taiwan, where she was renamed ROCS Han Yang (DD-915/925) and continued to serve until the late 1990s.
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Battle Stars: The ship earned two battle stars for her service during the Korean War and seven battle stars for her Vietnam War operations.
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Preserved Legacy: After decommissioning in Taiwan, part of the ship, including her bridge, was preserved and displayed as a museum piece at the Tsoying Naval Base in Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
